History of the Commission System

The 1993 Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Commission on Children & Families(OCCF) because it recognized a need for a system where government, service providers, non-profits, communities and families could work together to help families become healthier and more self-sufficient. The system consists of a state commission and 36 local commissions for each of the counties in Oregon. In 1999, the Oregon legislature reaffirmed the commission system’s role and viability in improving outcomes for children, families and communities.

Marion County took this notion one step further by supporting the development of community progress teams representing every community in our county based on high school boundary areas.

In 2003, the Marion County Board of Commissioners determined that since the commission was established, the populace it serves has grown and the work of the commission has expanded, making it appropriate for the board to establish a separate Department of Children and Families.

Task forces formed in every county in conjunction with the Juvenile Services Commission and Student Retention Initiative groups.

Task Force Reports developed and submitted highlighting: existing services, gaps in services, recommendations for state responsibility and local responsibility in addressing the needs of children and youth.

Oregon Benchmarks introduced.

1989

Legislature designates Runaway and Homeless Youth funds to the Juvenile ServicesCommission for pass through to county commissions.

Community Children and Youth Services Act passed.

All responsibilities under the Juvenile Services Act transferred to the new State Commission (name changed to Community Children and Youth Services Commission).

Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA) transferred from the Children's Services Division to the new State Commission.

Student Retention Initiative funding stream transferred from Juvenile Services Commission to the new State Commission.

Great Start funding stream established in the new State Commission to support local efforts and encourage and empower local ownership in helping children.

Oregon Coordinating Council for Children and Families established by legislature with the following conveners: Department of Human Resources, Oregon Community Children and Youth Services Commission, Department of Education, and Office of Community College Services.

Oregon Progress Board established by Legislature.

1990

Governor issues an Executive Order transferring the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Formula Grant to the new State Commission.

Oregon Youth Coordinating Council abolished.

Maine Study on Child Protective Services in Oregon published.

1991

Oregon Youth Conservation Corps and Oregon Community Services Corps transferred from Employment Division to State Commission.

Established in three counties or consortium of counties to pilot a coordinated case management system with approval of the Children's Services Division administrator in consultation with the Juvenile Corrections Council.

Legislature allocates designated funding to Court Appointed Special Advocates for maintaining and enhancing the program statewide.

Program standards adopted by State Commission and planning guidelines disseminated.

U.S. Congress appropriates Child Care and Development Block Grant and Department of Human Resources, Office of Child Care Coordinator designated lead agency (interagency planning with Department of Education, State Commission and others).

Discretionary funds granted to State Commission for local planning and program development.

1991

State Commission introduces Wide Area Network using electronic mail system.

State Commission designated lead agency for the Readiness to Learn/Early Childhood Development benchmark.

1992

State Commission partners with Department of Education to establish Goals 2000 draft for Governor’s Office focusing on Readiness to Learn benchmark.

Report published recommending new children and families service system.

Legislative concepts/proposals introduced (HB 2004).

Oregon Youth Conservation Corps summer program transitioned to local commissions.

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act re‑authorized to include mandate on addressing minority over‑representation in the juvenile justice system.

1993

HB 2004/State & Local Commissions on Children and Families passed.

HB 2008/Healthy Start Program passed.

1994

This year was devoted to developing the structure for implementing HB2004.

Governor makes appointments to new Oregon Commission on Children & Families.

County Boards of Commissioners appoint Local Commissions on Children & Families and organizational meetings are held.

Local Commissions on Children & Families submit comprehensive plans for implementation in the 1995‑97 biennium.

1995

State and local commissions establish efficient electronic communications, working relations, and collaborative procedures with human services agencies.

Local commissions implement comprehensive plans.

Local commissions update comprehensive plans for 1997‑99 biennium.

Accountability structure is established. Strategic plan is developed.

1996

Oregon Commission on Children and Families adopts System Development and Implementation Framework that outlines its mission and four major Goals:

Create a wellness system

Create and encourage collaborative partnerships.

Establish a structured community planning & decision making process.

Be accountable for what we do.

1997

Commission system develops and utilizes BUILDING RESULTS: From Wellness Goals to Positive Outcomes for Oregon's Children, Youth, and Families in linking goals to outcomes. The eleven benchmarks of the Commission are grouped as follows:

Strong, Nurturing Families

Healthy, Thriving Children

Positive Youth Development

Educational Progress and Success

Caring Communities and Systems

Accountability system is developed and training provided that includes internal controls, strategy development, and outcome measurement.

1998

Commission system develops and utilizes BUILDING RESULTS III: Measuring Outcomes for Oregon's Children, Youth, and Families to ensure best practices and researched measurement tools are used in the accountability system.

Oregon Commission on Children and Families develop and adopt Lead Role and Functions that puts further clarity to HB2004.

history

The Oregon Commission on Children and Families system was established in 1994. The system consists of a state commission and 36 local commissions for each of the counties in Oregon. The commission system was established to improve the system of supports for children and families in communities. There were many advocates for its establishment, the primary force being members of the Children's Care Team established by Speaker of the House Larry Campbell prior to the 1993 legislative session.